Control mechanism for machine tools



Feb. 4, 1936. A. OBERHOFFKEN El AL 2,029,335

v CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MACHINE TOOLS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 N 5 Tk Q NJ 0 m mp w @H .rs e mm 0 X a W m No.52 Sada E N952 3a 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 6 w fi as m. mm WW b fig ww m w w y w w 9 W 4 W m, \3 my 1. m g L\ k M A? \s A w 735 VII/ll/l A. OBERHOFFKEN Er AL CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Filed April 1, 1933 Feb. 4, 1936.

Patented Feb. 4, 1936 CONTROL MECHANISM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Alexander Oberhoflken and Hans Hanltz, 1mm ford, 111., assignors to Ingersoll Milling Machine :11am, Rockford, 111., a corporation of Illi- 110 Zppllcatlon April 1, 1933, Serial No. 683,894

' g 3 Claims. (01. 172-239) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE This invention relates generally to the automatic control of a machine to define a cycle of operations thereo! during which the tool and work supports are moved relative to each other through a series of different movements in a predetermined sequence.

One object of the invention is to provide a novel control mechanism of relatively simple and inexpensive construction adapted to define complicated machine tool cycles involving relative motion between work and tool supports along a plurality of different paths.

Another object is to provide a novel control cated cycles in a machine tool in which relative movements between the tool and work supports are effected by electric driving means.

A more detailed object is to provide a novel control mechanism by which a plurality of electrioally driven operators each arranged to effect relative movement between tool and work supports may be controlled in timed sequence and the timing thereof varied to suit operating conditions.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a schematic view of a control system embodying the present invention and applied to a typical machine tool set-up.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a part of the cycle controlling mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a plan view partially in section showing the major portion of the main controller.

Fig. 4 is a section taken along the line 44 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a section taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4. V

Figs. 6 and 7 are views taken respectively along the lines 66 and 'l-l of Fig. 5. g

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, we have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that we do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but int-end to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in traverse a fixed path I! on a work-piece l4 carried by the other support. As shown herein, the tool is a milling cutter fast on a spindle I5 which is journaled in a sleeve l6 mounted for axial movement relative to the support I I to cross-feed 5 the cutter toward and from the work. The support or head I l is mounted to slide vertically along suitable ways while the table III is slidable along horizontal ways. Thus the tool and work supports are adapted for relative movement along 10 three fixed paths which extend perpendicular to each other.

Independently operable power operators are provided for eflecting relative movementsbetween said supports vin opposite directions along the respective paths. Preferably, these operators comprise individual reversible electric motors l1, l8 and I9 operating through speed reduction gearing to drive shafts 20, 2i and 22 in opposite directions. The shafts and 2| are 20 screw-threaded into the supports l0 and II and produce endwise reciprocation of the supports upon rotation in opposite directions. The shaft 22 actuates the cutter sleeve l6 through a rack and pinion connection 23 or this may be accom- 25 plished by a suitable cam movement. Pairs or magnetic switches or relays indicated by numerals 24 and 25, 26 and 21, and 28 and 29, are employed as pilot devices for controlling the starting of and stopping of the motors l1, I8 30 and IS.

The automatic cycle controlling mechanism contemplated by the present invention includes a common or unitary controller by which different parts of the cycle are initiated in timed sequence and a plurality of independently operable control devices by which the power operators are controlled to terminate the diflerent parts of the cycle independently-o1 said controller. Said controller is moved continuously in one direction 40 throughout the cycle substantially in timed relation to the relative movements between the tool and work supports in different directions along the different paths while said control devices are individually responsive to the relative movements between the tool and work supports along the different paths.

In the present embodiment, the controllerabove referred to includes a rotary element in the form of a cylindrical drum 3!! driven at constant speed and unidirectionally through one revolution for each machine cycle. Power for eflecting such drive is preferably supplied by a small constant speed or synchronous motor 3| mounted on a support 32 from which projects a rigid vertical stud 33 on which the drum is rotatably mounted. To drive the drum at a very slow speed, the motor shaft is connected by spur gears 34 to a shaft 35 which in turn drives the drum through the medium of a worm gearing 36 and a planetary gearing 31. The gears 34 are housed within a casing 38 having a cover 39 which may be removed to permit removal and replacement of the gears for the purpose of varying the driving ratio between the motor 3| and the drum 38 and therefore the time required for one machine cycle determined by one revolution of the drum. Since the drum 36 is driven independently of the power operators for the tool and work supports and no mechanical connections with the latter are necessary, the drum may be located in any desired out-of-the-way place such for example within the frame of the machine tool.

Mounted on the periphery of the drum in axially spaced rows are a plurality of dogs referred to generally by the numeral 40, the dogs in each row being arranged to control the opening and closing of one of a group of switches 4| by which the relays for the different power operators are controlled. In the form shown, each dog comprises a metal block of generally T-shaped crosssection seated in a peripheral groove 42 of corresponding shape in the drum 38 and having a projection 43 extending radially outward from the drum. By tightening a screw 44 threading through the trailing portion 45 of the block, the dog may be clamped to the drum with its radially extending leading surface 46 in any desired circumferential position.

Theswitches' 4| are arrangedin closely spaced relation along a bar 41 of insulation carried by a metal bar 48 which is removably secured within a casing 49 integral with the housing 38. Herein each switch comprises a pair of contacts 58 rigid with the bar 41 and a movable contact'member 5| mounted between disks 52 of insulation on a rod 53 and normally urged by a spring 54 against a flange 55 on the rod. The latter is slidable endwise through the bars 41 and 48 and normally urged by a compression spring 56 into switch-opening position.

To" provide for opening and closing of the switches with a snap action and the retention of the switch in open or closed position independently of the dogs 48, the rod-53 is actuated by a cam 57 which is advanced with a step-by-step motion as successive dogs 48 in one of the rows on the drum pass a predetermined point. In successive steps of the cams, lobes 58 and depressions 59 thereon engage the end of the rod 53 and cause movement of the latter between switchclosing and switch-opening positions. The cam is loose on a removable pin 60 supported at opposite ends in lugs 6|. Loose on the pin 68 but secured to the cam 58 as by a removable pin 62 is a wheel 63 having teeth 64 spaced to correspond to the lobes and depressions of the cam 51 as shown in Fig. 4 and adapted to be engaged successively by the surfaces 46 of the dogs 40 in one row. Also mounted for rotation with the cam 51 is a disk 65 having teeth 66 which converge outwardly to points 61 and bear against one end of a plunger 68 slidable in the bars 41 and 48 and urged toward the teeth by a compression spring 69. As the wheel 63 is advanced by a dog 40, the leading surface of one of the teeth 66 cams the plunger 68 against the actionof the spring 69 until the plunger passes over-center with respect to a point 61 whereupon the energy stored in the spring 69 is released and the plunger, acting as a 8 cam on the trailing surface of the tooth 66, advances the wheels 63 and 65 and the cam 51 rapidly and ahead of the dog 40 until the plunger becomes seated in one of the notches between the teeth 66. The switch is thus opened or closed with a snap action and the rest positions of the cam 51 are accurately defined by the wheel 65.

The independently operable control devices above referred to for terminating the diflferent partsof the machine cycle to determine the extent of relative movement between the tool and work supports in each of said parts comprise switches 18, II and I2 interposed in common conductors controlling the sets of relays for the respective motors l1, l8 and I9. The switch 12 comprises two stationary contacts I3 and a movable contact arm 14 pivoted at I5 on the tool support II and having an arm 16 engaged by a cam bar 11 secured to the cutter sleeve l6. The bar maintains the switch closed except when the arm 16 isdisposed in one of a plurality of notches 18 and 19 when the switch is allowed to open. The switches I8 and H are similarly constructed and mounted on stationary parts of the machine for actuation by notched cam bars 18 and l9 secured to the tool and work supports respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the switch II is interposed in a conductor 60 leading from the power conductor IF to electrically common terminals of the coils of relays 26 and 21, the other terminals of which are connected by conductors 83 and 84 to the switches 62 and 8| respectively, which have a common terminal leading to the power conductor L To-permit the relays 26 and 21 to be energized independently of the switch H, a conductor 85 is shunted around the switch H and includes a switch 86 arranged to be actuated by the dogs of one row on the drum 30. When the latter switch is closed, either of the relays 26 and 21 may be energized by closure of the proper one of the switches 8| and 82. It will be apparent that when the switch H is open, either of the relays 26 and 21 can be energized by closure of the shunt switch 86 and the proper one of the switches 8| and 82 and that after the motor l8 has started and the switch closed, the control of the motor may be transferred to the switch simply by opening the shunt switch. Then termination of operation of the motor l8 while rotating in either direction will occur upon opening of the switch 1|.

In a similar way, the common contacts of switches 81 and 88 are connected to the power conductor L and the insulated terminals of these switches are connected to the coils of the relays 28 and 29 by conductors 92 and 93. The com-' switch 10 or-through a conductor 99 including aswitch I08 actuated by the dogs in another of the;

The common terminal of the switches 94 rows. and 95 is connected to the power line L. Starting of the drum drive motor 3| to initiate a machine cycle .may be initiated by closure of a manually operable switch |0| energizing the coil of a relay I82 governing the motor. The relay may be maintained energized during the cycle by cloaoaasao sure of a dog-actuated switch I88. If desired, the motor I02 for rotating the cutter I2 through suitable speed reduction gearing may be started and stopped by energization and deenergization of the relay I02.

Operation The operation of the control mechanism will now be described with reference to the execution of a cycle for causing the cutter I2 to traverse the irregular path I8 (Fig. 1). For convenience, reference will be made to Fig. 2 which shows a development of the control drum surface with the diiferent parts of the cycle indicated by numbers and the dogs 40 by letters, the dogs which effect closing of a switch being represented by the solid block squares while the other dogs cause switches to be opened. Let it be assumed that the dogs which control the closure of the diiferent switches I have been positioned around the drum as shown in Fig. 2 so as to become active in causing rapid movements of the corresponding cams 51 at points in the drum revolution represented by the vertical lines. The speed of the drum 30 is adjusted by selection of the proper pick-off gears 30, so that the drum makes one revolution in a time interval somewhat greater than the'sum of the time intervals required for execution of all of the different relative movements between the tool and work supports. In other words, the speed of the drum is so adjusted as to allow ample time for completion of each rela-' tive movement between the tool and work supports before the next relative movement is imtiated under the control of the drum.

In the starting position of the drum, the switches 10 and H and all of the switches 4| with the exception of the switch 12 areopen. The work-piece I I is properly positioned on the table I with the cutter I2 backed away from the workpiece slightly so that the arm 18 of the switch 12 is in engagement with a surface I04 of the bar 11,'the switch being thereby held closed. To start the cycle, the operator closes the switch IOI thereby starting the motor 3| and the cutter drive motor I02. In the initial movement of the drum, a dog a causes the cam 51 of the switch I03 to be advanced closing the latter switch and placing the-cycle completely within the control of the drum 30. Shortly thereafter, a dog b becomes efiective to close the switch 81 andcomplete a circuit for energization of the relay 28 whereupon the motor I8 is started to feed the cutter I2 toward the work. This circuit extends from the power line L through the switch 81, the conductor 92, the coil of relay 28, the conductor 12*, the closed switch 12 to the power line L. When the cutter has entered the work-piece to the proper depth, the arm 18 of the switch 12 drops into the notch '18 thereby allowing the switch to open which stops the motor I8 and terminates the inward feed of the cutter.

To allow for variations in the time required for the cutter to be advanced to the proper depth, initiation of the next part of the cycle is delayed by location of the dog :1 so that it does not close the switch 86 until ample time has been allowed for completion of the inwardmovement of the cutter. Closure of the switch completes the shunt around the then open switch 1I connecting the conductor L and the coil of the relay 21. Simultaneously the switch 82 is closed by a dog d completing the circuit of the power line L through the conductor 83 and starting the motor I8 in a direction to feed the head II downwardly. At this time, a dog o my open the switch 81.

In the initial downward movement of the head II, the arm 18 of the switch 1I rides out of a notch I05 closing the switch H which is in parallel with the switch 86. Shortly thereafter, a dog e operates to open the switch 86, the energization of the relay 21 being continued under the joint control of the switches H and 82. Thus, the control of the motor I8 is transferred to the switch 1I. When the cutter has reached the bottom edge of the work-piece, the arm 18 of the switch II drops into a notch I06 allowing the switch to open which interrupts the operation of the motor I8 and the down feed of the head I I. Next, two dogs ,f and 9 become efiective to close the switches 85 and I00 and establish a shunt circuit around the switch 10 for energizing the coil of the relay 25, the circuit extending from L through the conductor 91, the relay coil conductor 88, and the switch I00 to L; This starts the motor I1 to feed the table I0 to the right. The then closed switch 82 may be opened by a dog h. After the arm 16 of the switch 10 has risen out of the notch I01, the switch I00 is opened by a dog 1' and the control of the motor I1 transferred to the switch 10 which is in parallel with the switch I00 so that the horizontal feed of the table will be interrupted when the notch I08 is encountered and the switch 10 opened. This occurs as the cutter approaches the boss I09 on the work-piece.

To retract the cutter for machining the end of the boss I09, dogs 9' and. k operate to close the switches 88 and III which closes a circuit from L through the switch 88, the conductor 93, the coil of relay 29, the conductor 90, the switch 9| to L This starts the motor I9 to move the cutter outwardly. After the arm of the switch 12 has risen out of the notch 18, a dog 1 becomes effective to open the switch SI. Then as the arm encounters the notch 19, the outward feed of the spindle will be interrupted. A dog m then closes the switch I00 which cooperates with the then closed switch 85 to again complete the enerate at this time to open the then closed switch I 88. The arm of the switch 10 rises out of the notch I08 but the shunt switch I00is maintained closed as the arm passes over the notches H4 and H5 after which a dog 12 opens the switch I00. cutter has passed the boss whereupon the notch II 0 allows the switch 10 to be opened. Thereafter, dogs p and q operate to close the switches 9| and 81. which causes the relay 28 to again be energized and the motor I8 to be started for feeding the cutter inwardly. The switch 12 closes as its arm rises out of the notch 19 after which a dog p opens the switch 8I. When the cutter reaches the proper depth, the arm of the switch 12 drops int) the notch 18 thereby interrupting the cutter feed at a depth flush with the surface previously machined on the other side of the boss I09.

The eighth part of the cycle during which the table I0 is fed to the right is initiated by closure of the switch I00 in response to a dog 1', the

switch 95 being closed at this time so that the coil of the relay 25 will again be energized. The

After the switch 10 has been closed in the ad- This feed of the table continues until the vance or the table by the motor II, a dog 8 opens vthe switch I00, transferring the control of the motor II to the switch 10. when the cutter axis has traversed the distance I I I, dogs t and u operate to close the switches BI and 06. Closure of the switch 06 establishes a shunt circuit extending from the line I? through the switch 88,-the conductor 05, the coil of the relay 29, the conductor 84, and the switch 8| to L This starts the motor I0 in a direction to raise the head It and this motion combined with the continued horizontal movement of the table I0 to the right, produces a resultant movement of the cutter along an upwardly inclined path H2, the arm of the switch II moving out of the notch I06. The inclined movement is interrupted when the arm of the switch I0 encounters a notch H3 in the bar 10 Then the dog it operates to open the switch 95. The upward movement of the head I I continues, the shunt switch 86 remaining closed as the notches I05 and H6 in the bar I9 pass the aim of the switch II after which the switch 86 is opened by a dog a.

Whenthe notch III is encountered, the switch I! is allowed to' open terminating the upward movement of the head II. Thereafter, the switches 94 and I00 are closed by dogs a: and y to complete a circuit for the coil of the relay 20, which circuit extends from L through'the switch 94, the conductor 90, the relay coil 24, the conductor 99, and the switch I00 to L This in itiatesoperation of the motor II in a direction to move the table I0 to the left. A dog 2 opens the switch I00 after the notch IIO has passed the arm of the switch I0. After the notch II5'has been encountered and the horizontal feed of the table I0 interrupted, a dog aa closes the switch 86 again energizing the coils of the relay 26 throughthe then closed switch M. The head thus rises and during this movement a dog bb opens the switch 86. Upward movement is interrupted as the notch H8 is encountered allow ing the switch-II to open.

Movement of the table to the left is next initiated by a dog cc which closes the switch I00, completing the energizing circuit for the coil of the relay 2! through the then closed switch 90. In the ensuing movement, a dog dd opens the switch 8| and a dog s opens the switch I00. Operation of the motor I! is interrupted by opening of the switch I0 as the notch III is encountefed. Then dogs ee and ff close switches 02 and 8 0 energizing the relay 21 and causing the motor I8 to be started in a direction to move the head Thereafter, a dog 90 opens the switch 86 so that .when the notch H6 is encountered, opening of the switch II will arrest the downward movement of the head II. Then a dog hh closes the switch I00 completing a circuit for the relay 24 through the then closed switch 94. The table I0 then moves to the left, the switch I 00 remaining closed as the notch I08 is presented to the arm of the switch 10, a dog ii thereafter acting to open the switch I00. As the notch I01 is encountered, the table is stopped by opening of the switch I0. Downward movement of the head to starting position is initiated by a-dog 9'7' which closes the switch 86 causing the relay 2! to be energized and the motor I0 to be started. During the ensuing movement, a dog tt opens the switch 94 and a dog Ick opens the switch 80 so that the movement may be terminated by opening or the switch 'II as aocasaa the notch I0! is encountered bythe arm of th switch. i

The final movement or the cycle consists in retracting the. cutter which is initiated by the closure 01 switches 08 and 9| by dogs mm and mr. which energizes the'coil 01! thereby 29 starting the motor I9. A dog 00 opens the switch 9| after the switch I2 has been closed as the cutter is all of the diiierent parts of the cycle are initiated by the common drum controller which is driven by an independent source or power, the bulk of the control apparatus can be located in an accessible yet out-of-the-way' place and only the relatively simple control switches'for terminating the difierent parts of the cycle need be associated directly with the tool and work supports. The amount of equipment required to define complicated cycles is thus reduced to a minimum. Moreover, the number and complexity of the parts required to change the character of the cycle defined has also been reduced to a minimum in the present control mechanism. a

We claim as our invention:

1. In a control mechanism for machine tools having a plurality of relatively movable supports, mechanism for causing a predetermined cycle of relative movements between said supports in-- cluding an electric motor for driving one of said supports during one part of said cycle, a control element moved unidirectionally and at constant speed throughout said cycle, a switch responsive to relative movement between said supports and arranged to be open at the beginning of said part, to be closed in the initial relative movement between said supports, and to be opened after a predetermined movement thereof, a switch actuated by said control element to cause energization of said motor independently of said first mentioned switch and opened by the control element prior to the opening of the latter switch,

and a second switch cooperating with said first mentioned switch to maintain energization of said motor, said last mentioned switch being closed by said element prior to the opening of said second mentioned switch.

2. In combination with a machine tool having tool and work supports arranged for relative movements along a plurality of difierent paths, a plurality of electric motor driven operators each arranged to drive said supports relative to each other back and forth in opposite directions along one of said paths, a rotary control ated by said first mentioned switches, and independently operable switch actuators carried by i said control element and respectively arranged to operate the individual switches of said group in predetermined sequence, said actuators being mounted on said element for adjustment relative to the element and relative to each other whereby to permit the switches to be actuated singly or in combination and the sequence of operation thereof to be varied.

3. In combination with a machine tool having tool and work supports arranged for relative movements along a plurality of different paths, a plurality of electric motor driven operators each arranged to drive said supports relative to each other back and forth in opposite directions along one of said paths, a rotary control drum, an independent electric timing motor for driving said drum, a group of switches controlling the respective operators to initiate operations of the individual motors thereof, a plurality of control switches by which the operation of the difierent operators may be interrupted, means responsive to relative movements between said supports along the different paths and arranged to actuate said last mentioned switches selectively and terminate the different movements initiated by said first mentioned switches, and a plurality of dogs arranged on said drum in axially spaced relation for operative association with the respective switches of said group, said dogs being arranged for individual adjustment circumferentially of the drum.

ALEXANDER OBERHCFFKEN. HANS HANITZ. 

